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Celebrate summer: best UK food festivals

The sun’s out, the days are long, and we’ve all been well and truly gripped by footie fever. So in between matches, and after the World Cup *whimper*¬†ends, make sure you head out into the open to catch some rays and experience some of the brilliant foodie events going on around the UK over the summer. From family-friendly weekend events full of music, games and five-star fare prepared by celebrity chefs, to a seafood extravaganza at Weymouth Harbour, there’s something to get those taste buds tingling – and a few South American treats thrown in for good measure. So make sure you go loco and celebrate summer with some fab food festivals.

Via¬†Made UpAlthough all of these beautiful images of Brazil and its beaches are rather pleasant, they can leave you feeling a little blue that you’re not there to see it for yourself. Liverpool’s Brazilica Festival is the UK’s biggest samba event, bringing all of the magic of Rio Carnival to this side of the Atlantic with a week of Brazilian food and culture leading up to a night-time parade.

Via¬†Creative ReviewRecommended by Brazilian foodie blogger Rosana McPhee of¬†Hot & Chilli,¬†Joga Bola! is a celebration of all things Brazilian – and it’s free. In London, from Thursday 12 June through to Sunday 13 July, there will be street food, art, music, samba, capoeira, Brazilian film, and, naturally, screenings of the World Cup.

Credit: Dorset Media ServicesThis seafood festival on the ancient shores of Weymouth showcases the enormous range of British fish and seafood and how best to prepare it. As well as sampling champagne, oysters and taking part in the #whelkrevival, you’ll learn useful skills such as how to fillet a fish like a pro.

Via¬†Camp BestivalCamp Bestival is the family-friendly version of its big sister, Bestival. Targeted at families with younger kids, this year’s theme is ‘Desert Island Disco’, featuring acts such as Basement Jaxx and The Cuban Brothers. Food is a big deal at Camp Bestival, and this year heralds the introduction of The Feast Collective, a hub of street vendors and independent chefs selling their fresh produce. Diners sit around huge communal tables, where they can try exciting new foods as they listen to the music. For some sizzling South American tuck, head over to Breddos Tacos for its teeny Mexican pockets of deliciousness. Foodie bliss!

Via¬†Lancashire TelegraphThe top food festival in Lancashire, Clitheroe’s activity is all concentrated into one day. With stalls lining the streets, masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs, demonstrations, talks, and chocolate, coffee and cheese tastings, you’ll learn about how to make gourmet food from the experts – and spend a good chunk of time trying it all out, of course!

Via¬†Jamie OliverHead to Alex James’ idyllic Cotswolds farm for a wild weekend of culinary discovery at one of the UK’s biggest food festivals. Test your skills at workshops and demos run by top chefs, take part in arts and crafts events, and treat your taste buds to food from around the world. With French, Italian and Caribbean cuisines, as well as tons of other options along Street Food Alley, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And for those after the South American vibe, chef Martin Molares will be around, cooking up some innovative Peruvian creations.

Notting Hill Carnival: 24-25 August, Notting Hill, London

Via¬†HeartThere’s nothing quite like Notting Hill Carnival if you’re looking for a chaotic atmosphere, jam-packed with people, food, drinks, music and dancing. With insane outfits, multi-coloured floats, sound systems on every doorstep and authentic Caribbean food lining the streets, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Via¬†Chase & WonderOften referred to as the second gourmet capital of the UK, Ludlow’s culinary past goes back a long way. The first festival took place back in 1995 to celebrate the quality and diversity of local produce from Ludlow and The Marches, and it really lives up to its name, featuring everything from vegetarian pies to homemade honey and liquors made from local berries.

Are you going to any of this summer’s foodie festivals? Or already been? Let us know in the comments section below and recommend the best food fun you’ve had this summer for the rest of us to try out next year!